Page 19 of Between the Ropes

I make a face, even though I know she’s right. “I’m not—okay, maybe a little. But still, it doesn’t mean anything.”

Annika snorts. “Sure it doesn’t. You can tell yourself that all you want, but you’re basically drooling over the guy. Admit it.”

I huff, sinking deeper into the chair. “Fine. I admit it. He’s gorgeous, okay? But it doesn’t matter. I need to focus on my job.”

There’s a pause on the line, and Annika’s voice softens. “I get it, Nat. I really do. But it’s okay towantsomething for yourself too. You don’t always have to be so serious.”

“I know,” I say quietly, my eyes still glued to the screen as Ryan’s match unfolds. “But this job… it’s my way out. I can’t mess it up by getting involved with anyone, especially not him.”

“Fair enough,” she says with a sigh. “Just don’t let yourself miss out on something good because you’re afraid, okay? That’s all I’m saying.”

I nod, though she can’t see me, and the conversation drifts into easier topics—her weekend plans, her latest obsession with some new yoga class. But my mind is stuck on Ryan.

Later, after the match, I’m heading out of the arena, walking toward the parking lot to catch my Uber back to the hotel. The night air is cool against my skin, and I wrap my jacket tighter around me as I start scrolling through my phone, thinking about all the things I need to get ready for tomorrow.

I hear footsteps approaching, and when I glance up, I see Travis heading toward me, his gym bag slung over his shoulder. He has short, glossy blonde hair styled in a perfect swoop, the kind that makes him look effortlessly put together. His face is chiseled, with a bit of stubble across his angular jaw, and his lean, muscular frame moves with an easy confidence. But it’s his eyes that stand out the most—soft and kind, like he’s the type of guy who’s quick to laugh and even quicker to offer a helping hand.

I’ve only met Travis once before, but it’s obvious how close he and Ryan are. There’s an easy camaraderie between them that speaks of years of friendship.

“Hey,” he greets me with a friendly smile, his voice warm and casual. “Have you seen Ryan anywhere? I lost track of him after the match.”

I shake my head, forcing a smile. “No, I haven’t seen him since he, uh… left my office earlier.”

Travis raises an eyebrow, his smile turning sly as he adjusts the strap of his bag. “Oh yeah? Left your office, huh?”

I feel my cheeks heat up. “Not like that. He just… didn’t stick around for his appointment. It was weird.”

“Ryan’s a weird guy sometimes,” Travis says with a shrug, though there’s a knowing glint in his eyes. “But he’ll come around. Anyway, I’ll see you around, Natalie. Don’t let him scare you off.”

I watch him walk away, his easy gait making it hard to tell if he was joking or genuinely offering advice. Once he’s out of sight, I finally let myself breathe.

Heading back to the hotel, I try to push thoughts of Ryan out of my mind, but they come crashing back as soon as I’m alone in my room.

I can’t stop thinking about him—about the way he felt pressed against me earlier, the heat of his body, the way his hands had brushed against my skin. It was like an electric current between us, and now, even after he’s gone, I still feel the pull.

I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, but all I can see is his face. His scent lingers in my mind, the memory of his touch teasing me in ways I don’t want to admit. I close my eyes, trying to shut it all out, but it’s no use.

God, what am I going to do?

14

The Uber pulls up to the hotel, and I’m exhausted—physically and mentally. The match tonight was brutal, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the storm brewing inside my head. Natalie. I can’t stop thinking about her—about the way her hands felt on me, the way she looked when I almost kissed her. It’s like she’s in my blood now, and I don’t know how to shake it.

I step out of the car, my shoulders aching, my body heavy with the kind of fatigue that sinks deep into your bones. All I want is to collapse into bed, but something stops me in my tracks. There’s a voice—a woman’s voice—faint, but laced with panic.

“Please… just leave me alone. I don’t owe you anything anymore.”

I freeze, my blood running cold. That voice—it’s her. Natalie.

Before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m moving toward the sound. My fists are already curling, my pulse pounding in myears. I round the corner of the hotel and see her. She’s standing there, her face pale under the glow of the streetlights, shaking as she confronts some skinny drunk bastard. His lanky frame sways unsteadily, his bloodshot eyes wild, and he’s leaning into her, spitting words that reek of whiskey and bitterness.

“I raised you! You owe me, you selfish little—”

“You’re not my guardian anymore! I’m not a child—just leave me alone!”

Rage erupts in my chest like a goddamn wildfire. “Do we have a problem here?” I ask, my voice low and dangerous. “Because I thought I heard the lady say to leave her alone.”

Natalie’s head snaps up, her wide eyes locking onto mine. Fear flickers in them, but there’s something else too—relief. The asshole turns toward me, stumbling a little before trying to square up like he’s got something to prove. Big mistake.

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